Jesus’ Relatives
“And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus…” “For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother.” (Luke 2:21, Mark 3:35)
You are warmly welcome!
This 2017 was declared ‘a Year for the Family’ by the Church and the State. Our guiding theme will be ‘Family: Out of Reverence for Christ’. To start off this theme, think about Jesus’ family: He was circumcised on the eighth day and all cultural requirements were fulfilled; he was a member proper of the home of Joseph and Mary his parents, as well as a member of the bigger family of the Jews; he had brothers and sisters, and cousins and nephews; but he stunned his listeners one day, when he redefined his relatives. In fact some thought he run crazy and insane due to his commitment to and method of work, especially when he ignored his relatives that came to bring him food and take him for some rest.
He figuratively revealed his new family: ‘whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother.’ Are you part of Jesus’ family? This is a good question to ponder throughout this year even as we seek to better our own families. Jesus is willing to make you his brother or sister, and that would be a great privilege; but it cost him a lot: it cost him his dignity and the closeness to his own family; he was called insulted and mistaken to be insane as he made effort to draw you in – into his new family. I hope you don’t blow the chance! Join and remain a part of this divine first family; the benefits are eternal joy and peace.
Jesus’ relatives have some important characteristics; let’s share just three: Firstly, they see. It is my prayer that each of us will have a clear vision from God in this year. The wise men saw the star of wonder and light that led them to Bethlehem, a life-changing and lifesaving experience; Stephen the first martyr beheld Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and this gave him strength to face his most trying moment with hope and vigour. There are many signs in the sky and sorcerers and evil people deceive many with astrological visions and insights; I pray for you to be shown some meaningful life-changing and lifesaving vision that will guide you into a productive future.
Secondly, they grow. In this year the Lord has poured out abundant grace for growth in your education, career, in your relationships with people and with God. You’ll definitely have a birthday to mark a year older, but all aspects of your life should take a step forward. And thirdly, they intercede. The promise of the Messiah’s intercession is my encouragement to us all: His example in Isaiah 62:1-7 is intertwined with a call for all his disciples to engage in intercession. He, as our brother, is praying for you, and that He is calling upon you to pray for one another, ‘until he establishes Jerusalem and makes it a praise in the earth’ (Isaiah 62:6-7).
God bless you all!